Super Bowl: Matchup of the day

Denver RDE Shaun Phillips vs. Seattle LT Russell Okung: Okung, a fourth-year veteran who made the Pro Bowl last season, ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain in July. (There was no word on if he ran into Jets coach Rex Ryan, who did the same thing last summer). Maybe Okung wanted to improve his performance in facing so-called "bull rushes" from opposing linemen and linebackers. He is a key cog in an offensive line that has helped RB Marshawn Lynch treat opposing defenders with as much disdain as he treats the media. Lynch racked up 1,257 rushing yards this season. It is Okung's responsibility to protect the blind side of right-handed QB Russell Wilson. The Seahawks often had trouble keeping Wilson upright this season. He was sacked 44 times and other than Okung and C Max Unger, the Seattle offensive line often has been shaky. Phillips, who spent the first nine seasons of his career with San Diego, likely wouldn't be a Bronco if not for a fax mix-up involving veteran sackmeister Elvis Dumervil, whose agent didn't get his restructured contract to the Broncos on time during the off-season. Denver then cut Dumervil rather than pay him a guaranteed $12 million in 2013. Phillips recorded 10 sacks during the regular season and two in a playoff win over San Diego, and the Broncos need a strong pass rush from him with OLB Von Miller (knee) out for the season.